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Poster of The Onion Field

The Onion Field (1979)

“What happened in the onion field is true. But the real crime is what happened after.”

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Plot

In the tense underbelly of Los Angeles, 1963, two intertwining partnerships cross paths in an encounter that will forever alter their lives. Detectives Ian Campbell and Karl Hettinger of the Los Angeles Police Department, patrol the shadowy city streets, stumbling upon the suspicious pair of Greg Powell and Jimmy Smith, better known as Jimmy Youngblood. Powell, a disturbed ex-convict, and Smith, a reluctant petty thief, are not just ordinary men but clandestine crooks on the brink of their next illicit escapade. Their chance encounter spirals into a chilling standoff, with the desolate backdrop of a Bakersfield onion field serving as the stage for a lethal confrontation. Here, amidst the raw scent of onions and the whispering midnight breeze, a life is ruthlessly extinguished. The aftermath of this tragic event is far from what any of the men had anticipated, leading to a gnawing examination of their actions and their devastating consequences. As the surviving trio grapple with the emotional turmoil of the night's events, they are thrust into the harsh spotlight of a trial that sends ripples through their everyday lives. The film delves into the intricacies of the American justice system, questioning its efficacy and fairness, and exploring the shattering psychological effects on the surviving officer. The narrative weaves a tale of regret, recollection, and redemption, as the men ponder over what went wrong and how they might have altered the course of that fateful evening. "The Onion Field" is a poignant exploration of crime, consequence, and the human capacity for resilience in the face of adversity, painting a vivid picture of an event that continues to echo through the lives of those it touched. This film doesn't merely recount a tragic event; it plunges you deep into its reverberating aftermath, making you question the very nature of justice and the haunting specter of regret.

Where to watch The Onion Field?

The Onion Field is a crime movie featuring Pat Corley and directed by Harold Becker.

The Onion Field is currently streaming on DIRECTV.